The TRUESENSE Color Filter Pattern represents a new paradigm for obtaining full-color images from a single image sensor. By adding panchromatic (or "clear") pixels to the standard red, green, and blue pixels traditionally used for color capture, image sensors can realize a significant increase in light sensitivity – between two and four times compared to standard designs – while retaining overall image quality and color fidelity. Image sensors using this design allow end users to capture better pictures and video under low-light conditions.

In addition to the new color technology, the STF-8050 has been optimized for fast full frame download and maximum cooling in an STF sized package. A high resolution 8.3 megapixel 16-bit frame will download in about 1/2 second using the dual channel readout mode. Even at this rapid download rate, the read noise remains exceptionally low, about 9e-. The tables below show download times and frame rates for the STF-8050 camera measured using SBIG's high speed drivers:

The astronomy customer will notice from the specifications that the STF-8050 is very similar to the STF-8300M in size and performance with the exception of the shutter and download rate. The STF-8050 was developed primarily for the OEM market, particularly for microscopy applications where short exposures and high frame rates made possible by an electronic shutter are more desireable than having a mechanical shutter for automatic dark frames. Because of this, the STF-8050 cooling design is very robust and the camera is capable of a cooling delta greater than -50 degrees C. This means that the camera at room temperature can cool enough to reduce the dark current to 1/100th of an electron per pixel per second, or less.

So in comparing the STF-8050 with SBIG's 8300 models, the STF-8050 is faster and can take shorter exposures (0.001 sec.) whereas the STF-8300 or STT-8300 have higher QE, mechanical shutters and are more suitable for long exposures typical of deep space imaging. For these same reasons however the STF-8050 is an excellent choice for solar/lunar/planetary imaging and deep space with a filter wheel using one blocked slot for taking dark frames if desired.

The combination of a large 8.1 megapixel CCD, high resolution 5.5 micron pixels, low noise 16-bit images and fast exposure times make the STF-8050 camera ideal for solar and lunar imaging.